Question Bongo

[LoStrings]

I have a Candy Red 4H Bongo in beautiful original condition with a born on date of 10/30/2003. Bongo's were introduced in 2003, what I am interested in finding out if that makes this 1st year bass a bit more valuable, or doe's it make no difference?

 

[Golem]

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Bongos are not "vintage" so "first edition" means nothing.
However, there IS a special value added [not huge tho']
for the exciting colors that were available in the early
years but were too soon discontinued.

While you DO have an exciting color, I'm not sure if it is
currently available or not. Someone else will surely jump
in and clarify that.

BTW you also have a sought after model, at least it's
sought after by Those-Who-Know. The Single H config is
somewhat rare on the used market cuz nobody amongst
The-Great-Unwashed has a clue about it ... IOW GC has
no faith in it [they have no faith in Bongos at all anyway,
but even less faith in those with less features]. Around
here, you have a killer ax: Great color, Single H config,
and no extraneous superfluous strings.

Your credentials are in order Welcome aboard.

 

[JayDawg]

As far as value goes, that depends on what someone wants to pay for it but just because yours is a first year, doesn't normally add value to it. At least not right away as they have only been out 10 years, not 40 or 50. Now, in 30 or 40 years, maybe it will be but who knows? What is a little rare though is you have a single H first year Bongo. I thought the single H didn't come out until 04' but I guess I was wrong. As far as value goes, look at ebay and other bass sites that have some Bongo's for sale and see what they are going for.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Well, it's not a discontinued color, but it is a rare configuration for the first year. I believe most of the 2003s are HH configs.

But, I agree with Jay that right NOW, the vintage does not make it any more valuable. At most, it's a nice anecdote for a possible for sale ad, but that's it. Who knows what the future holds?

I wouldn't plan on putting your kids through college on the difference at any point, though.

 

[Mabongohogany]

Single H Bongo??!!!!
Magic!

I'll offer you ONE MILLION DOLLARS for it!

Just kidding- I had my HH out for a play and polish yesterday, and while rubbing around the edges w/polish, I had a "vision"...

What possible difference is there IMAGINED to be if say, I removed the neck pup and the bridge pickup was relocated a few mm's forward??

Huh? Uh, yeah, right.

Don't argue. I'm not even listening!


And another thing: On it's side, viewed horizontally, the upper horn's similarity overall to a "conventional"
bass is striking; the lower bout is a bit reduced, so to speak, which accounts for the wonderful ergonomics (and appearance IMO) of the Bongo.

So the "fugly" and Toilet-Seat crowd can go soak it along with the Single-H mojo dreamers too!
Haha.

Oh, and OP, enjoy & play your Bongo! Don't stress about it's collectability. Maybe in the Year 3013...

 

[nurnay]

Hey, how about some pictures? No pics, no bass as they say.

 

[LoStrings]

Thanks Guys...I really did'nt think there would be anything to the 1st year 4H subject, but I thought I would ask the experts here to see what others thought about this. Here are some pics of the bass...It originally came with a black pickguard, but I changed it out with a Vintage Pearl guard....

 

[laneline]

That's a beauty all right, welcome aboard. The VP guard looks great with the Candy Red also.

 

[keko]

Ohh yeah!

I'd say that first production series in the future will always have some special mojo and possible higher priced range as a 2nd hand instrument!

 

[Soulkeeper]

Oh yeah, I approve of this bass!

If you keep keeping it as spotless as that, I'm pretty sure it's going to be worth a little extra in 50 years time.

 

[five7]

It already looks like it is worth more than my bongo. Great color combo!

 

[nurnay]

Purty

 

[7broccos]

A real work of art that will just kick some serious booty

Thanks Guys...I really did'nt think there would be anything to the 1st year 4H subject, but I thought I would ask the experts here to see what others thought about this. Here are some pics of the bass...It originally came with a black pickguard, but I changed it out with a Vintage Pearl guard....